A look at the Norfolk Tides as they begin a six-game series against the Nashville Sounds, the top affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers, Tuesday at Harbor Park.
Norfolk’s record: The Tides, who ended a five-game slide by averting a series sweep Sunday in Gwinnett, are 26-29 in the International League’s second half after going 30-43 in the first half. The Sounds are 27-29 in the second half after going a West Division-leading 44-29 in the first half.
New in town: Right-handed pitcher Levi Wells, 23, will begin his first home series with the Tides after being called up from the Double-A Chesapeake Baysox last Tuesday. Drafted in the fourth round in 2023 from Texas State, he has a 3.29 earned-run average and two saves in 21 minor league games this year, including 17 starts. He has improved enough this season to lower his two-year minor league ERA to 4.80 in 42 games, though he is eager to improve his 1-15 lifetime record.
In the Nashville dugout: Grassfield High graduate Garrett Stallings is back in town. The former Tides pitcher, traded last year from Baltimore to the Milwaukee organization, is 3-3 with a 4.56 ERA in 26 games for the Sounds this season, including 11 starts. The 28-year-old is hoping to make his major league debut after being drafted in 2019. But a notable name for Nashville, if his rehabilitation assignment from an injured thumb continues, is Rhys Hoskins. The 32-year-old has 749 MLB hits, including 186 home runs, in six years with the Phillies and two with the Brewers.
Schedule
Tuesday: 6:35 p.m., Triple Play Tuesday. Beer, popcorn and soda are $2 through the first five innings.
Wednesday: 6:35 p.m., The third and final giveaway pack of Tides baseball cards will go to the first 2,000 fans age 17 and under. It’s the first “Take Meowt to the Ball Game,” where fans can bring their cat (leashed or in a carrier or backpark) to the park.
Thursday: 12:05 p.m., Diamond Day Game.
Friday: 6:35 p.m., Tides leather logo baseball caps will be given away to the first 2,500 fans ages 18 and older. After a pregame party at 5:30 p.m., the Tides will play as the “Malmo Oatmilkers.”
Saturday: 6:35 p.m., There will be a pregame party at 5 and postgame fireworks on International Bacon Day.
Sunday: 1:05 p.m., It’s Football Day, with fans encouraged to show their pride for their favorite NFL team.
